Karl Higgins is collecting donations in Hayden for Spokane fire victims. 

Inspired by an email from his church pastor outlining ways people could help, Higgins created about 60 flyers and dropped them off at neighbors’ doors. Attached to the flyers were white plastic bags for donations.

“We're doing what the good Lord asks us to do, and we're doing what our church asks us to do, and we're doing what we think is a good thing for people in need,” Higgins said. “That’s why we’re doing this. Spokane is in a world of hurt and they need help. It'll be on the way.”

Plenty of items have already been donated to victims, but they still need other everyday essentials. The most needed items are kitchen supplies such as pots and pans, plates, silverware and cups. Also urgently needed are personal hygiene items like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes and hair combs and brushes. 

“They really didn't need any more clothing and they’re not asking for money,” Debi Koch, a friend of the Higgins family, said. “Hopefully (those donating) come through with some good stuff. I'll be very surprised if the response in this neighborhood is anything but spectacular”

After growing up in North Idaho and Spokane while his father was stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base, Higgins settled near San Diego with his wife, Dawn, before returning to Hayden 18 months ago. 

Given the wildfires that have struck southern California over the years, forcing the Higginses to evacuate their home four times, the tragedy in Spokane hit a personal note for them. The most recent time they had to evacuate was three years ago on Christmas Eve at 11:45 p.m.

“It is a horrible feeling when you're getting up at one in the morning and you've got seconds to get out of your house,” Dawn said. “We all felt like (Spokane) could have been any of us. So how can we help our fellow people here? So that's why we're deciding to do this.”

The Higgins family emphasized the importance of community when dealing with natural disasters and other unfortunate events, whether by donating to help a nearby city or lending a hand when times get tough.

“What if we'd had the fire here? Who's going to help who?” Dawn said. “That's real scary. If something happens, come knock on our door. Come knock on your neighbor's door. We'll help you.”

Those with donations are being instructed to leave the white plastic bags that came with the flyer out on their porch Saturday night.

“Sunday morning, we're going to drive through the neighborhood, pick up all the bags and all the materials and stuff like that, then we're gonna head over to the Central Relief Hub in Spokane and donate it,” Karl said.

Donations can be dropped off anytime Saturday at 11137 N. Cattle Drive in Hayden.